THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES are naturally attractive, and throughout our lives
each one of us pursues them. What follows is a fuller exploration of each of the
values. Included for each value are many examples of the kinds of actions people
undertake in pursuit of the values. The examples are followed by an analysis of
how important each value is in society, an examination of how each value is experienced as infinite gift, and a discussion of how or whether objective hierarchy
operates within them. In general, examples are drawn from countries with developed economies. However, each society, culture, or institution has a multitude of
its own specific ways that people in that society promote the seven fundamental
values.

PARTICIPATING IN LIFE

Long before explicitly considering the importance of life, we take actions that lead
to a deeper participation in the value of life. As children we eat and drink, play and
exercise, sleep and look forward to the following day. We also worry when we or
our friends get hurt, we don’t like being sick, and we are frightened when we get
lost. When we are very young we relish living and get excited when we experience
something new, as long as a parent or sibling is close by. When we feel threatened,
we become anxious. Some of these actions are socially and culturally reinforced

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